The purpose of this organization shall be:A. To teach the art of skating to all participating in the program.B. To instruct those participating in the fundamentals of ice hockey.C. To instill the necessary attitudes for team spirit and s

Little Flyers (formerly FYHA’s Intro to Hockey) is an instructional program that offers young athletes, ages 4-9, an opportunity to try the sport of hockey at a low financial commitment.

Run by USA Hockey certified volunteer coaches, weekly practices are designed to teach basic hockey skills including skating (proper stance, strides, use of edges and stopping), stick-handling and shooting in a structured, station-based setting. Over the course of more than five months, Little Flyers will participate in consistently executed on-ice drills and ultimately, age appropriate games (during the last four weeks) to prepare and excite them for participation in FYHA’s U8 or U10 program the following season.

Some skating experience is required. Those new to the ice are encouraged to start in our Learn to Skate program (click here for more information) and transition to Little Flyers when appropriate. Conversely, if a child initially has difficulty skating, and thus struggles to keep up with the drills, our coaches may recommend shifting from Little Flyers to Learn to Skate for a short period of time, after which they can move back.

As a precursor to Little Flyers, FYHA highly recommends taking advantage of the Boston Bruins Academy Learn to Play program. For the 4th consecutive year, it will be offered at Pirelli Veterans Arena in Franklin during the month of October (6th, 13th, 20th, 27th from 1:00pm - 1:50pm). A separate, $140 registration fee includes four (4) on-ice sessions plus a complete set of hockey equipment (gear, stick and skates) properly fitted to your child.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN LITTLE FLYERS?

Little Flyers is open to residents of Franklin and surrounding communities, ages 4-9.

WHEN IS LITTLE FLYERS?

Little Flyers begins November 3 and lasts for 21 weeks (November 3 – December 22; January 5 – March 15). There is no class on December 29. Each Sunday session runs from 1:00 – 1:50 p.m. at Pirelli Veterans Arena in Franklin.

As noted above, the Boston Bruins Academy Learn to Play program takes place just prior to the start of Little Flyers. Sessions are tentatively scheduled for October 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 1:00 – 1:50 p.m., also at Pirelli Veterans Arena in Franklin.

WHAT IS THE COST?

Little Flyers tuition is $225. For insurance purposes, registration with USA Hockey is also required. The fee is $48 per person (exception, birth year 2013 and after and/or if your child participates in the Bruins Academy Learn to Play program).

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED?

All participants are required to be in full gear, which includes a hockey helmet, neck guard and skates.